Goodbye, January 2023! You’ve been such a wonder Goodbye, January 2023! You’ve been such a wonderful month for me! 🤍 This year, for the first time ever, I decided to start the year off with a focus on only myself. I spent a large part of January celebrating my birthday this year! From delicious dinners and coffee dates to hiking and surprise secret adventures, this month has been full of celebrating and I’ve embraced every single moment of it. After a few years of not feeling quite like myself due to anxiety and depression, it’s great to feel like ME AGAIN! 🎉 I love her and she’s BACK, BABY! In addition to celebrating myself as much as possible, I also honored my mental, physical, and spiritual needs with lots of rest, intentional movement, meditation, and reflection. 

My word for 2023 is community and now that I feel like myself again, I’m so excited to spend the year pouring into my community, while still remembering to fill up my own cup first. 

#january #januaryreflections #selfcare #selfcarefirst #selfcarematters #intentionalliving #intentionallife #beintentional #uniquevintage #velvetdress #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlskillingit #joyfulmoments #joyfulfulmovement #joyfulliving
Snapshots from a beautiful day spent with friends Snapshots from a beautiful day spent with friends who always make my heart happy. Plus a small snippet of me being overjoyed at getting the tiny seat at the back of the train. 
🤍🌳🏰🚂

#intentionalliving #intentionallife #joyfulliving #joyfulmovement #livejoyfully #enjoythemoment #enjoythejourney #happyliving #blackgirldisney #disneymoments #disneygram #orlandoliving #orlandolife #orlandolifestyle #orlandofl #magicalmoments #choosejoy #joyseeker #orlando
I love being able to explore all of the little pat I love being able to explore all of the little paths that exist in Animal Kingdom. All of the gorgeous greenery in this park makes me feel happy, balanced, and calm. Whether it’s a quiet moment at a waterfall, watching birds enjoy the beautiful weather, or trying to see how many different types of plants I can spot, it’s such a peaceful place to spend the day. 🌳🤍

#outdoors #plantlife #nature #naturelovers #walking #animalkingdom #disneysanimalkingdom #wdw #bestdayever #waltdisneyworld #animalkingdomdisney #intentionalliving #livingintentionally #livinginthemoment #joyfulmoments #joyfulliving
Started the year off with some adventure! 🌿🍃 Started the year off with some adventure! 🌿🍃🌳

#intentionalliving #thegreatoutdoors #livingintentionally #livinginthemoment #adventure #adventureisoutthere #nature #enjoynature #goexploring #orlando #orlandoflorida #greenery #plantlife #animalkingdom #dak #disneysanimalkingdom #visitorlando #orlandolocal #stufftodoinorlando
Just some random joyful moments from 2022. 🤍✨ Just some random joyful moments from 2022. 🤍✨

#joyful #joyfulmoments #slowliving #hyggelife #intentionalliving #2022recap #joyfulliving #joyfullife #happymoments #hyggelig #intentionallife #yearofgrowth #yearofgratitude #practicegratitude
Our last closing of 2022! 🎉🎉🎉 So thankfu Our last closing of 2022! 🎉🎉🎉

So thankful to help purchase this 8 bedroom, 6 bathroom, 4034 square foot pool home for our client. This was the perfect way to end an amazing year of growth, challenges, and blessings in our careers.

We are so excited for all the home sales and purchases we will get to be a part of in 2023 and we can’t thank all of our clients enough for trusting us to help make your home related dreams come true! 🏡 

#floridarealestate #floridahomes #orlandohome #orlandoliving #floridarealtor #floridarealestateagent #floridalife #realestateinvestor #orlandolife #movetoorlando #movetoflorida #orlandolocal #floridalocal #buysell #buysellhomes #homebuying #homebuyingprocess #localorlando
Have you been to Animal Kingdom Lodge yet this hol Have you been to Animal Kingdom Lodge yet this holiday season? 🎄 There’s still time! We loved the addition of the gingerbread animals this year and I hope they keep adding to the display. 🦒🦓 The Christmas tree in the main lobby is one of my favorites on property and I’m always a fan of the bread service at Sanaa. 🫓🍽️🌶️

#animalkingdomlodge #christmasdecor #christmastree #christmasdecorations #christmasvibes #christmasseason #disneyworld #wdw #waltdisneyworld #disney #disneygram #disneyparks #disneyfood #disneyblogger #disneyresort #sanaa #orlandothemeparks #themeparks #gingerbreadcookies @disneyparks @waltdisneyworld
These “snow bubbles” smelled like hot cocoa. C These “snow bubbles” smelled like hot cocoa. Christmas magic indeed! Don’t forget to check out The Lights on Jeater Bend in Celebration during its last year ever! It’s free and oh so fun! 

🎄☃️🎄☃️🎄☃️🎄☃️🎄☃️🎄

#christmaslights #christmasdecor #christmaslightshow #christmasiscoming #christmasdecorations #christmasdecorating #celebrationfl #holidaydecor #holidayseason
One of my all time favorite traditions is going to One of my all time favorite traditions is going to see all the human sized gingerbread displays at @waltdisneyworld. They are all beautiful but the gingerbread house at Grand Floridian is my favorite. I love how you can smell it as soon as you walk into the lobby and I love taking a gingerbread shingle home for the perfect Christmas movie snack! 🤍🎄

#christmas #disneychristmas #disneychristmasdecorations #christmasatdisney #gingerbreadhouse #gingerbreadcookies #christmasmagic #disneymagic #wdw #waltdisneyworld #grandfloridian #grandfloridianresort #christmasdecor #christmascookies #hyggechristmas #hyggelifestyle #christmasmoments #christmasmood
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
    • Life
    • Travel
    • Well Read
    • Wellness
    • Business
    • Photography
  • Contact

Charismatic Concepts

  • Life
  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Wellness
  • Business
  • Photography

Uncategorized · October 7, 2015

WOMEN IN BUSINESS: Sonia from Stash

Too often in our society, people picture men in their heads when they hear words like, “boss”, “entrepreneur”, or “CEO”. Being a small business owner has put me in touch with so many successful female business owners and entrepreneurs that when I hear these words, I often picture a woman or I just don’t assume anything at all. Women are obviously just as capable as men when it comes to the business world and it is high time that women business owners and entrepreneurs are more visible in the media in our society. This is where the idea for Women in Business was born. Women in Business is a bi-weekly feature that highlights female entrepreneurs and business owners. Not only is it a fantastic opportunity to learn more about small businesses in various fields, but it is a great shopping guide for supporting small businesses.  

 An Interview with Sonia from Stash

Tell us a little bit about Stash. What exactly do you do and what is your favorite thing about doing it?

Stash is a yarn shop in Corvallis, Oregon.  More than a yarn shop, it’s a place to get inspired and to step outside your creative comfort zone.  This can happen in a variety of ways, from learning a new skill or technique to stretching into a new color palette or style.  I believe that we are all Creative beings, and that we have something inside of us bursting to come out into the world.  This may be through craft or art, but also other ways that aren’t typically thought of as “creative.”

My work is inspired by helping people who want to connect to that creative energy through yarn.  It has such potential to heal, to transform, and energize.  If all of that sounds a little woo-woo, and you’re thinking “it’s just yarn”, think about how great you feel when you make something from nothing.  When you make a great meal, grow a tomato, teach a child a new skill, figure out a new way to solve a problem–these kinds of things are creative acts that give us a sense of accomplishment.  That feeling is attainable through so many outlets.  For me it’s knitting, and for you it may be something else.  Whatever it is, find it and give it everything you have.

At Stash, I do everything from choosing yarn colors and managing staff to creating strategies for growing the business and working on special projects.  I’m lucky enough to have gathered together a great team who run the day to day business which frees me up to direct the creative vision of the shop, manage the blog and social media, and work on special projects like our new podcast!

2DSC_0365

What/who inspires you and your work?

I’m a very visual person, so when I need inspiration I tend look toward photography, textiles, food, and nature.  These things help get me thinking outside of what I already know and push myself to try new things.  There’s always a new shape, color combination to be discovered in the natural world.  Getting outside also helps me clear my head and shake of the confusion and doubt that can creep in.

I’m also a voracious reader and love non-fiction and memoirs.  Currently I’m a little obsessed with the work of Brene Brown and Elizabeth Gilbert. These are two incredibly smart, creative women who are working to bring such important stories and ideas out into the world.  Looking toward other creatives not only validates my work, it helps me work hard and smarter to achieve my goals.

DSC_0587

What are three things that help you run your business efficiently on a daily basis?

  1. My iPhone.  From Google Docs and calendar alerts (to help keep my baby-brain from taking over) to managing social media and taking pictures for the shop, I love having such a versatile tool at my fingertips.
  2. My amazing team. I could not do a fraction of what I do without the support of an engaged, committed staff of talented folks.
  3. Compartmentalizing.  I have work time and family time, and it’s rare that the two cross paths.  When I am at the shop or working from home, I have a limited amount of time to really focus and crank out the work.  Knowing this keeps me (mostly) on task and really efficient.  Then when I’m with my kiddos I try to be as present as possible with them.  That doesn’t mean I’m not often thinking about work projects in the back of my mind, but I’m not on the computer or the phone.  It’s important to me that my children know that they can have big dreams and go after anything they want in life. I’m trying to show them that I can have a successful business, and that being an entrepreneur doesn’t have to mean sacrificing family time and working 24/7.

Sonia-Stash

What was the best piece of advice you were given?

I went through Marie Forleo’s B-School when Stash was in its first year.  During that time I was in a major learning curve, and was feeling a lot of pressure to please everyone. From managing my own expectations, as well as those of employees, vendors and customers, it sometimes felt that everyone wanted something. I was also navigating the transition from being a stay-at-home mama to being a working mom.  This was tough.   And for a long time I thought that I had to give everyone what they wanted in order for the business to be successful.  

At some point during B-School, Marie’s said “If it ain’t a Hell Yes, then it’s a Hell No!”  and blew my mind.  Kind of funny, but I keep going back to that again and again when I’m having a hard time making a decision.  It’s a silly way of saying listen to your intuition, go with the things you’re passionate and committed to. The rest is noise.  When I started going back to the roots of why I started the business and got really clear on my vision again, things exploded.  I go back to this advice again and again.

 

What has surprised you the most about being a small business owner?

The way that my business impacts other people has been humbling.  I always hoped that creating a welcoming creative space would bring together a community of creative people.  But I never imagined how many people we would inspire, motivate, and connect to one another, and how touching it would be to become a part of their stories.

stash-sonia

What goals do you have for Stash over the next three years?

We just launched our first podcast where I discuss creativity, motivation, and staying inspired with other creative business owners.  In addition to the work we’re doing in the brick and mortar store, I hope that this platform will help reach more people with the message that creativity is essential.  Who knows, maybe there will be a book someday!

 

How do you define success as a business owner?

This is a tricky question.  I have goals for my business, and I have personal goals for myself and my family.  I think that the more those two goals are in alignment with one another, the more peaceful and successful my life feels.

One of my early goals for Stash was to create a space (in person and online) where people could come to feel part of a creative community.  As long as that stays at the center of everything else we’re creating, I know our goals have been achieved.

IMG_0998

You can find Sonia here: Stash | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram |

In: Uncategorized · Tagged: business, business owner, small business, women in business

join the club

You’ll Also Love

Women In Business: Nicole Logan of Dear Alice Company
Creative Spaces | Amber Burns
Women in Business: Ashley from Ashley Brooke Designs
Next Post >

Friday I’m In Love

Hi! I'm Charisma, a creative entrepreneur who loves to help others reach their full potential. I'm a photographer, a writer, and the owner of Kismet + Charisma, an online boutique that pairs minimalist, cozy, boho style with activism. In my little corner of the internet you'll find my latest travels, what I'm currently reading, how I practing Black joy as resistence, and how I'm finding hygge in my daily life. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea, and stay awhile.

join the club

Categories

  • Life
  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Wellness
  • Business
  • Photography

Reader Favorites

  • Portraits | Jacob Tobia
  • The REAL Wizarding World: Victoria Street AKA Diagon Alley
  • 10 Reasons You Should Never Be Bored

trending now

  • Portraits | Jacob Tobia
  • The REAL Wizarding World: Victoria Street AKA Diagon Alley
  • 10 Reasons You Should Never Be Bored
  • The REAL Wizarding World: Greyfriars Kirkyard

instagram

Follow @charismaokeefe

Goodbye, January 2023! You’ve been such a wonder Goodbye, January 2023! You’ve been such a wonderful month for me! 🤍 This year, for the first time ever, I decided to start the year off with a focus on only myself. I spent a large part of January celebrating my birthday this year! From delicious dinners and coffee dates to hiking and surprise secret adventures, this month has been full of celebrating and I’ve embraced every single moment of it. After a few years of not feeling quite like myself due to anxiety and depression, it’s great to feel like ME AGAIN! 🎉 I love her and she’s BACK, BABY! In addition to celebrating myself as much as possible, I also honored my mental, physical, and spiritual needs with lots of rest, intentional movement, meditation, and reflection. 

My word for 2023 is community and now that I feel like myself again, I’m so excited to spend the year pouring into my community, while still remembering to fill up my own cup first. 

#january #januaryreflections #selfcare #selfcarefirst #selfcarematters #intentionalliving #intentionallife #beintentional #uniquevintage #velvetdress #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlskillingit #joyfulmoments #joyfulfulmovement #joyfulliving
Snapshots from a beautiful day spent with friends Snapshots from a beautiful day spent with friends who always make my heart happy. Plus a small snippet of me being overjoyed at getting the tiny seat at the back of the train. 
🤍🌳🏰🚂

#intentionalliving #intentionallife #joyfulliving #joyfulmovement #livejoyfully #enjoythemoment #enjoythejourney #happyliving #blackgirldisney #disneymoments #disneygram #orlandoliving #orlandolife #orlandolifestyle #orlandofl #magicalmoments #choosejoy #joyseeker #orlando
I love being able to explore all of the little pat I love being able to explore all of the little paths that exist in Animal Kingdom. All of the gorgeous greenery in this park makes me feel happy, balanced, and calm. Whether it’s a quiet moment at a waterfall, watching birds enjoy the beautiful weather, or trying to see how many different types of plants I can spot, it’s such a peaceful place to spend the day. 🌳🤍

#outdoors #plantlife #nature #naturelovers #walking #animalkingdom #disneysanimalkingdom #wdw #bestdayever #waltdisneyworld #animalkingdomdisney #intentionalliving #livingintentionally #livinginthemoment #joyfulmoments #joyfulliving
Started the year off with some adventure! 🌿🍃 Started the year off with some adventure! 🌿🍃🌳

#intentionalliving #thegreatoutdoors #livingintentionally #livinginthemoment #adventure #adventureisoutthere #nature #enjoynature #goexploring #orlando #orlandoflorida #greenery #plantlife #animalkingdom #dak #disneysanimalkingdom #visitorlando #orlandolocal #stufftodoinorlando
Just some random joyful moments from 2022. 🤍✨ Just some random joyful moments from 2022. 🤍✨

#joyful #joyfulmoments #slowliving #hyggelife #intentionalliving #2022recap #joyfulliving #joyfullife #happymoments #hyggelig #intentionallife #yearofgrowth #yearofgratitude #practicegratitude
Our last closing of 2022! 🎉🎉🎉 So thankfu Our last closing of 2022! 🎉🎉🎉

So thankful to help purchase this 8 bedroom, 6 bathroom, 4034 square foot pool home for our client. This was the perfect way to end an amazing year of growth, challenges, and blessings in our careers.

We are so excited for all the home sales and purchases we will get to be a part of in 2023 and we can’t thank all of our clients enough for trusting us to help make your home related dreams come true! 🏡 

#floridarealestate #floridahomes #orlandohome #orlandoliving #floridarealtor #floridarealestateagent #floridalife #realestateinvestor #orlandolife #movetoorlando #movetoflorida #orlandolocal #floridalocal #buysell #buysellhomes #homebuying #homebuyingprocess #localorlando
Have you been to Animal Kingdom Lodge yet this hol Have you been to Animal Kingdom Lodge yet this holiday season? 🎄 There’s still time! We loved the addition of the gingerbread animals this year and I hope they keep adding to the display. 🦒🦓 The Christmas tree in the main lobby is one of my favorites on property and I’m always a fan of the bread service at Sanaa. 🫓🍽️🌶️

#animalkingdomlodge #christmasdecor #christmastree #christmasdecorations #christmasvibes #christmasseason #disneyworld #wdw #waltdisneyworld #disney #disneygram #disneyparks #disneyfood #disneyblogger #disneyresort #sanaa #orlandothemeparks #themeparks #gingerbreadcookies @disneyparks @waltdisneyworld
These “snow bubbles” smelled like hot cocoa. C These “snow bubbles” smelled like hot cocoa. Christmas magic indeed! Don’t forget to check out The Lights on Jeater Bend in Celebration during its last year ever! It’s free and oh so fun! 

🎄☃️🎄☃️🎄☃️🎄☃️🎄☃️🎄

#christmaslights #christmasdecor #christmaslightshow #christmasiscoming #christmasdecorations #christmasdecorating #celebrationfl #holidaydecor #holidayseason
One of my all time favorite traditions is going to One of my all time favorite traditions is going to see all the human sized gingerbread displays at @waltdisneyworld. They are all beautiful but the gingerbread house at Grand Floridian is my favorite. I love how you can smell it as soon as you walk into the lobby and I love taking a gingerbread shingle home for the perfect Christmas movie snack! 🤍🎄

#christmas #disneychristmas #disneychristmasdecorations #christmasatdisney #gingerbreadhouse #gingerbreadcookies #christmasmagic #disneymagic #wdw #waltdisneyworld #grandfloridian #grandfloridianresort #christmasdecor #christmascookies #hyggechristmas #hyggelifestyle #christmasmoments #christmasmood
I love the Florida inspired Christmas decor at the I love the Florida inspired Christmas decor at the Grand Floridian! As a kid who always begged to feed the swans at Lake Eola, seeing swans in Christmas decor in Orlando just feels right. 🎄🦢

#christmasdecor #christmastree #floridachristmas #disneychristmas #christmasatdisney #grandfloridian #grandfloridianresort #christmastree #swandecor #holidayseason #happyholidays #christmasseason #happychristmas
https://www.instagram.com/charismaokeefe/

Explore

  • About
  • Podcast
  • Services

join the club

On the Blog

  • Travel
  • Well Read
  • Photography
  • Business
  • About
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Charismatic Concepts · Theme by 17th Avenue